U.S. patent application number 10/014841 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for double lock t-handle assembly.
Invention is credited to Molzer, Frederick, Molzer, Klaus.
Application Number | 20020112511 10/014841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26686592 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112511 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Molzer, Klaus ; et
al. |
August 22, 2002 |
Double lock T-handle assembly
Abstract
A double lock T-handle is disclosed having a tray which includes
an inwardly dished handle receiving area, a second recessed handle
receiving region, and a recessed padlock receiving depression. The
tray further includes a lock cylinder casing having a locking
cylinder and a shaft cylinder casing having a shaft. The lock
cylinder functions as a first lock and a padlock functions as a
second lock for the double lock T-handle. The T-handle includes a
locking shoulder and a fracturable throat section which deters
forced breakage of the T-handle and undesirable opening of a locked
door.
Inventors: |
Molzer, Klaus; (Nassjo,
SE) ; Molzer, Frederick; (Nassjo, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, P.A.
6109 BLUE CIRCLE DRIVE
SUITE 2000
MINNETONKA
MN
55343-9185
US
|
Family ID: |
26686592 |
Appl. No.: |
10/014841 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60242591 |
Oct 23, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/208 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 35/12 20130101;
Y10T 70/5761 20150401; E05B 1/0092 20130101; Y10T 292/1086
20150401; Y10T 70/5739 20150401; Y10S 292/31 20130101; E05B 67/383
20130101; E05B 17/0062 20130101; E05B 13/002 20130101; Y10S 292/30
20130101; Y10T 292/31 20150401; Y10T 292/0954 20150401; Y10T
292/1025 20150401; Y10T 70/5779 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/208 |
International
Class: |
E05B 013/00 |
Claims
1. A double locking T-handle assembly comprising: a) a tray, said
tray having a front side and a back side, said back side having a
lock cylinder casing, and a shaft cylinder casing, said front side
having a handle receiving area; b) a latching assembly comprising a
shaft positioned within said shaft cylinder casing, a bracket
attached to said shaft, and a roller cam attached to said bracket;
c) a padlock hasp engaged to said tray, said padlock hasp being
constructed and arranged for receipt of a padlock; d) a lock
cylinder positioned within said lock cylinder casing, said lock
cylinder having a cam; e) a pin in communication with said cam,
said pin being constructed and arranged for slidable positioning
within said handle receiving area; and f) a handle, said handle
being pivotally connected to said shaft, said handle having a pair
of grasping members and a pin receiving shoulder having an
aperture, said aperture being constructed and arranged for
receiving engagement of said pin during locking of said T-handle
assembly.
2. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 1, said
handle further comprising a fracturable throat section between said
pin receiving shoulder and said grasping members.
3. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 2, said
tray further comprising at least one hasp slot.
4. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 3, said
tray further comprising a recessed handle receiving region.
5. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 4, said
handle further comprising a padlock receiving region.
6. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 5, said
shaft cylinder casing comprising at least one rotational
restriction surface.
7. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 6, said
latch assembly further comprising a handle shank engaged to said
handle, a handle attachment collar having a slot positioned over
said handle shank, a shaft guide bracket having a barrier engaged
to said handle attachment collar, said shaft having at least one
engagement prong disposed through said handle attachment collar and
said shaft guide bracket for pivotal affixation to said handle
shank.
8. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 6, said
shaft cylinder casing further comprising a positioning limiter.
9. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 6, further
comprising a collar having a lug and a sleeve.
10. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 8, said
latch assembly further comprising a handle spring positioned around
said shaft between said collar and said positioning limiter.
11. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 10,
further comprising a second spring engaged to said padlock hasp and
to said back side of said tray, said second spring being
constructed and arranged to retract said padlock hasp within said
tray.
12. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 6, said
tray further comprising a pin aperture constructed and arranged to
permit passing of said pin for engagement to said pin receiving
shoulder.
13. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 6, said
tray further comprising a back plate cover constructed and arranged
for covering of said padlock hasp, said lock cylinder casing, said
cam, and said pin.
14. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 13,
further comprising a pin bracket comprising a guide slot, a cam
slot, a pin support, said pin extending outwardly from said pin
bracket.
15. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 14, said
cam having a cam pin constructed and arranged for positioning in
said cam slot.
16. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 15, said
tray further comprising a guide, said guide constructed and
arranged for positioning within said guide slot.
17. The double lock T-handle assembly according to claim 7, said
handle attachment collar further comprising at least one internal
prong receiving slot.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application relates to a double lock T-handle
assembly and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No. 60/242,591 filed Oct. 23, 2000, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Latch assemblies with handles have been known. In the past,
latch assemblies have been lockable through the use of an internal
lock cylinder to prevent the undesirable rotation at the handle.
Latch assemblies are frequently manipulated between a locked and/or
an unlocked position. In general, the unlocked position is
representative of the handle being rotated where the attached door
may be opened with one hand. Generally, for a right handed
individual the handle is rotated in a clockwise direction for
opening of a door. Latches are generally formed of a single locking
component. Frequently a need exists for added locking features such
as the use of a padlock.
[0003] Secondary locks such as padlocks are frequently inadequate,
absent, and/or difficult to incorporate into an existing latch
assembly. A need exists for a double locking latch mechanism which
is easily adaptable for varying applications. In the past, latching
assemblies having handles have not included designated handle
fracture locations to anticipate forced breakage. A need exists for
a latch assembly having a handle having a designated fracture point
which maintains a locking position following attempted forced
breakage. A need also exists for a handle having a designated
fracture point between the handle and the locking cylinder on the
throat section of the handle where the handle remains locked
following breakage to prevent undesired access into a
compartment.
[0004] General Description of the Invention
[0005] An advantage of the invention is to provide a double lock
T-handle of relatively simple and inexpensive design, construction,
and operation which fulfills the intended purpose without risk of
injury to persons and/or damage to property.
[0006] Another advantage of the double lock T-handle is to provide
a latching assembly requiring at least two operations prior to the
rotation of the handle for separation of a roller cam from a keeper
as integral to a structure. The operations required prior to the
unlatching of the double lock T-handle include the disengagement of
a locking pin from a locking aperture as integral to the Handle
through rotation of a locking cylinder. The unlocked handle may
then be elevated into a first operational position prior to
rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The
rotation of the T-handle separates the roller cam from the keeper
as integral to a structure to permit movement of a door relative to
the structure. Additional steps include the disengagement of a
padlock from a padlock hasp, and the retraction of the padlock hasp
into the tray or frame to permit elevation of the T-handle to the
first elevated operational position.
[0007] Still another advantage of the invention is to provide a
double lock T-handle having a shaft integral to a handle where the
shaft is engaged to a shaft casing having opposite rotational
restriction surfaces which, in turn, are adapted for contact with
mating rotational restriction surfaces of a collar to restrict
either the clockwise and/or counterclockwise rotation of the
handle.
[0008] Still another advantage of the double lock T-handle is to
provide a shaft casing having a protruding surface defining first
and second rotational restriction surfaces, where the first and
second rotational restriction surfaces are adapted for insertion
into a slot integral to a collar as engaged to the handle and
shaft, during the manipulation of the handle into the
non-operational and/or locking position.
[0009] Still another advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a double lock T-handle having a padlock hasp which is
retractable into a tray following removal of a padlock from the
padlock hasp.
[0010] Still another advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a double lock T-handle having a locking cylinder which
may be manipulated by a key to rotate the locking cylinder having a
cam which actuates a pin. The pin may be positioned in a slot or
affixed to a pin bracket. The pin may be elevated from the pin
bracket or casing through a pin slot or bore for insertion into the
pin aperture within the handle to lock the handle in a
non-operational position.
[0011] Still another advantage of the present invention is the
positioning of the locking cylinder, padlock hasp, cam, pin casing
or bracket, and locking pin individually or in combination within a
back plate cover to prevent access to the identified features of
the double lock T-handle during use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front partial phantom line view of the double
lock T-handle.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side partial phantom line view of the double
lock T-handle.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the double lock
T-handle taken along the line of 4-4 of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the shaft casing and roller
cam of the double lock T-handle.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a side view of the shaft casing and roller cam of
the double lock T-handle.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an alternative detail rear view of the first
locking mechanism.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an alternative detail rear view of the first
locking mechanism.
[0019] FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the double lock T-handle.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an alternative side view of the double lock
T-handle.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an alternative rear view of the double lock
T-handle.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an alternative environmental view of the double
lock T-handle taken along the line of 9-9 of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In general, the double lock T-handle assembly is indicated
by the numeral 10. The double lock T-handle assembly 10 is
preferably formed of a tray 12. The tray 12, may be formed of
molded plastic, fiberglass, metal, and/or other composite material.
The tray 12 is preferably adapted for positioning within an opening
in a door such as a semitractor access door. The tray 12 has a back
side 14 and a front side 16.
[0024] The back side 14 preferably has a plurality of index pins 18
which function to prevent rotation of the base 12 relative to the
door of a vehicle and/or other structure. The tray 12 also
preferably includes a plurality of affixation apertures 20 which
are adapted to receivingly engage fasteners such as screws to
securely position the tray 12 relative to a door of a vehicle. The
affixation apertures 20 are preferably regularly spaced about the
circumference of the tray 12.
[0025] The back side 14 may be entirely encased within an enclosure
or a back plate cover 120. Alternatively, the back side 14 may
include a rearwardly extending lock cylinder casing 22. The
rearwardly extending lock cylinder casing 22 is preferably adapted
for positioning within the interior of the door of a vehicle and is
further adapted to support and receivingly hold a lock cylinder 26.
Opposite to the lock cylinder casing 22 is preferably a rearwardly
extending shaft cylinder casing 28 having a second stop 30. The
second stop 30 preferably functions to position the shaft 32 and
shaft cylinder casing 28 in a normal position for transition from
an operational to a non-operational locking position of the
T-handle 80. The shaft cylinder casing 28 is preferably adapted for
positioning and structural support of the shaft 32. The lock
cylinder casing 22 preferably has a centrally positioned bore 23
adapted for receiving engagement of the lock cylinder 26.
[0026] Adjacent to the shaft cylinder casing 28 may be a padlock
bracket housing 34 which may be removably and/or releasably secured
to the back side 14. A suitable fastener such as a bolt may be
utilized to secure the padlock bracket housing 34 to the backside
14. The lock cylinder casing 22 may be separated from the padlock
bracket housing 34 and the shaft cylinder casing 28.
[0027] A pin aperture support 36 may extend from the padlock
bracket housing 34 towards the lock cylinder casing 22. The pin
aperture support 36 may be separated from the lock cylinder casing
22. The pin aperture support 36 preferably has a normally extending
aperture 38 which is adapted to slidably receive a pin 40 which
functions as the first locking mechanism 42 for the double lock
T-handle assembly 10.
[0028] The shaft cylinder casing 28 preferably includes a first
bore 44 which is adapted to receive the shaft 32.
[0029] The front side 16 of the tray 12 includes an inwardly dished
handle receiving area 46 which may be substantially oval in shape.
Within the interior of the handle receiving area 46 is preferably
located a first recessed padlock receiving depression 48 and a
centrally located second recessed handle receiving region 50. The
second recessed handle receiving region 50 preferably includes a
pin ledge 52 which includes a pin aperture 38 as traversing the pin
aperture support 36. In addition, the handle receiving area 46
preferably includes a pair of padlock hasp receiving slots 54
positioned adjacent and exterior to the second recessed handle
receiving region 50 and proximate to the first recessed padlock
receiving region 48. The padlock hasp receiving slots 54 are
preferably adapted for the receipt and positioning of a padlock
hasp 128.
[0030] The latching mechanism will generally be identified by the
numeral 58. The latching mechanism 58 preferably includes the shaft
32 which is positioned in the shaft bore 44. A shaft casing 60 is
preferably positioned for covering relationship over the shaft 32
and is adapted for coupling with the shaft cylinder casing 28.
Within the interior of the shaft casing 60 and shaft cylinder
casing 28 is preferably located a first spring 62. The shaft casing
60 preferably has a first end 64 having a first notch 66. The first
notch 66 is preferably adapted for engagement to the second stop 30
of the shaft cylinder casing 28 preventing rotation of the T-handle
80. In this configuration the first spring is compressed between
the shaft casing 60 and the shaft cylinder casing 28.
[0031] The shaft casing 60 also preferably includes a second end 68
which is opposite to the first end 64. The second end 68 is adapted
to hold an L-shaped bracket 70 having a roller cam 72. The roller
cam 72 is adapted for engagement to a keeper which is integral to
the frame of a door for closing and coupling of the latching
mechanism 58 to the door during use of the double lock T-handle
assembly 10.
[0032] The shaft 32 may include a coupling end 74 which may either
be substantially solid having an aperture, and the coupling end 74
may be constructed for affixation to prongs 88 integral to the
T-handle 80.
[0033] The latching mechanism 58 may be designed to rotate in
either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction dependent upon
operation by a right or left handed individual. Right and/or left
handed rotation is available due to the existence of first position
limiters where one of the first position limiters is located on
opposite sides of the shaft cylinder casing 28. The positioning
limiters are constructed to engage the second stop 30 on either
side of the shaft cylinder casing 28. The existence of mirror image
first positioning limiters on opposite sides of the shaft cylinder
casing 28 enables simultaneous clockwise and/or counterclockwise
rotation of the T-handle 80 relative to the shaft cylinder casing
28.
[0034] Interior to the first bore 44 may be located a friction
reducing member 78 which may be formed of brass rollers, plates,
and/or Teflon.RTM. material to facilitate the upward manipulation
of the T-handle 80 into an operational position. The T-handle 80
may then be rotated in a normal radial clockwise or counter
clockwise direction to alter the relative location of the first
position limiters relative to the second stops 30 for latching or
unlatching of the roller cam 72 from a keeper interior to a
door.
[0035] A first spring 62 may be positioned within the interior of
the shaft casing 60 for surrounding engagement of the shaft 32. The
first spring 62 preferably compresses when the T-handle 80 is
manipulated downwardly to the non-rotational position within the
inwardly dished handle receiving area 46, which causes the shaft 32
and shaft casing 60 to be drawn into coupling engagement with the
shaft cylinder casing 28. Release of the T-handle 80 permits the
first spring 62 expansion and repositioning of the shaft 32
rearwardly to a normal operational position where the T-handle 80
is aligned to the shaft 32 and the shaft casing 60 permitting
separation of the shaft casing 60 from the shaft cylinder casing
28.
[0036] The T-handle 80 preferably includes a padlock receiving
region 82 which is adapted for positioning within the second
recessed handle receiving region 50. A padlock 84 is preferably
adapted for positioning through each prong of the padlock hasp 128
over the padlock receiving region 82 of the T-handle 80. The
T-handle 80 also preferably includes a knuckle end 86 which may be
substantially solid having a pivot aperture or prongs 88. The
knuckle end 86 is preferably adapted to engage the coupling end 74
of the shaft 32 for secure pivotal attachment thereto through the
use of a pivot pin as placed through a pivot aperture. The padlock
receiving region 82 preferably extends from the knuckle end 86.
Opposite to the knuckle end 86 is a pin receiving shoulder 90 which
includes a pin aperture 92. The pin aperture 92 is adapted for
receiving engagement of the pin 40 during locking of the double
lock T-handle assembly 10 in the non-operational position relative
to the tray 12. Extending angularly outward from the pin receiving
shoulder 90 is preferably a fracturable throat section 94 which
terminates in a pair of grasping members 96 which may be accurate
in shape. The grasping members 96 extend perpendicularly outward
from the fracturable throat section 94 forming the T-shaped handle
80. The grasping members 96 are preferably constructed and arranged
for flush positioning relative to the contour of the lower lip of
the handle receiving area 46 of the tray 12.
[0037] The fracturable throat section 94 may include a reduced
cross-sectional area. The implementation of a sharp impact or
leverage upon the grasping members 96 which may occur when someone
is attempting to pry open the T-handle 80 will result in the
fracture of the fracturable throat section 94 at the location of
the reduced cross-sectional area, inhibiting further movement of
the pin receiving shoulder 90, curved padlock receiving region 82,
and/or separated T-handle 80 from a depressed locked position.
[0038] A locking cylinder 26 is preferably adapted for positioning
within the lock cylinder casing 22. The locking cylinder 26 may
include a distal end 98 having an eccentric cam 100 releasably
secured thereto. The eccentric cam 100 preferably includes a
positioning ledge 102 which is adapted for placement adjacent and
proximate to the lock cylinder casing 22. The eccentric cam 100 is
preferably adapted to engage the pin 40 for slidable vertical
positioning of the pin 40 within the pin aperture 38 as traversing
the pin aperture support 36. A pin spring 110 is preferably located
within the pin aperture support 36 to engage the pin 40 for
continuous contact between the pin 40 and the eccentric cam 100
during use of the locking cylinder 26. The rotation of the locking
cylinder 26 preferably causes the rotation of the eccentric cam 100
for rotation of the positioning ledge 102. The rotation of the
locking cylinder 26 will terminate when the trailing edge of the
positioning ledge 102 is adjacent to the pin 40. A key 106
preferably rotates the locking cylinder 26 for either vertical
retraction and/or penetration of the pin 40 within the pin aperture
92 of the pin receiving shoulder 90. The positioning ledge 102 and
the eccentric cam 100, which has a larger diameter than the locking
cylinder casing 22, preferably prevents forward separation of the
locking cylinder 26 from the bore 23. In addition, the locking
cylinder 26 preferably has a lip which has a larger diameter
dimension than the bore 23 to prevent undesirable rearward
penetration within the bore 23.
[0039] A padlock hasp spring 104 is preferably positioned within
the padlock bracket housing 34. The padlock hasp 128 may function
independently between the left side and the right side, or the
padlock hasp 128 may be formed of one piece construction. The
padlock hasp spring 104 is preferably positioned between a hasp
bridge and a positioning bridge. The padlock hasp 128 preferably
includes two arms where each arm includes a padlock receiving
aperture 118 which is constructed and arranged to receive and
position a padlock 84 over the curved padlock receiving region 82
of the T-handle 80. In order to engage a padlock 84 to the padlock
hasp 128, the padlock hasp arms are required to be manipulated or
drawn forwardly and outwardly from the first recessed padlock
receiving region 48. The forward manipulation of the padlock hasp
arms from the first recessed padlock receiving region 48 preferably
compresses the padlock hasp spring 104. The release of the padlock
hasp 128 and the removal of a padlock 84 from the padlock receiving
apertures 118 permits the padlock hasp arms to be retracted
rearwardly and partially into the padlock bracket housing 34 by the
expansion of the padlock hasp spring 104. The at rest position for
the padlock hasp 128 is to be partially retracted into the padlock
bracket housing 34 when a padlock 84 is not positioned through the
padlock receiving apertures 118.
[0040] It should be noted that the T-handle 80, latching mechanism
58, padlock hasp 128, and the lock cylinder 26 may be engaged to
the tray 12 by positioning through either the front side 16 or back
side 14 for releasable affixation to the back side 14. The padlock
84 functions as the second locking mechanism for the double lock
T-handle assembly 10 during use. The breakaway features of the
T-handle 80 deter the opening and failure of the handle without
prior manipulation of the lock cylinder 26.
[0041] The features of the shaft cylinder casing 28 and the shaft
casing 60 are identical between FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, herein with the
exception that the shaft casing in FIGS. 1 through 6, has a reduced
longitudinal dimension and is therefore referred to as a collar
186. The shaft cylinder casing in FIGS. 1 through 6 is referred to
by reference numeral 29. Both the collar 186 and the shaft casing
60 include the features of the rear wall 200, lug 202, L-shaped cam
base 240, second protruding section 242, second intermediate
sections 244, second notch 246, and sleeve 248. Likewise, the shaft
cylinder casing 28 and the shaft cylinder casing 29 each include a
distal end 188, first notch 198, pair of intermediate sections 196,
and protruding section 122. The functionality and/or radial
rotational engagement between the shaft cylinder casing 28 and the
shaft casing 60 is the same as the rotational interaction between
collar 186 and the shaft cylinder casing 29.
[0042] The protruding section 122 of the shaft cylinder casing 29
preferably includes a first positioning limiter 124 and a second
positioning limiter 126. The shaft cylinder casing 29 is preferably
adapted for positioning and structural support of the shaft 32.
[0043] Adjacent to the shaft cylinder casing 29 within the back
plate cover 120 is preferably positioned the padlock hasp 128 which
may be removably and/or releasably secured within the back plate
cover 120. A suitable fastener such as a screw may be utilized to
secure the back plate cover 120 to the backside 14 of the tray 12.
The lock cylinder casing 22 may be positioned adjacent to the
padlock hasp 128 within the back plate cover 120 and opposite to
the shaft cylinder casing 29.
[0044] A pin support 36 is preferably positioned within the back
plate cover 120 between the lock cylinder 26 and the padlock hasp
128. The pin support 36 is preferably separated from the lock
cylinder casing 22. The pin support 36 preferably has a normally
extending channel 39 which is adapted to slidably receive a pin 40
which functions as the first locking mechanism 42 for the double
lock T-handle assembly 10. The pin 40 preferably extends upwardly
from a pin bracket 130. The pin bracket 130 is generally L-shaped
having a pin support section 132, a normally extending guide slot
143, and a traversly extending pin cam slot 136. The normally
extending pin guide slot 134 is adapted for positioning over a
guide 138 which enables sliding upward and downward positioning of
the pin 40 and pin bracket 130 relative to the back cover plate
120.
[0045] The traversly extending cam pivot slot 136 preferably
receives a cam pin 140. The cam pin 140 is engaged to and extends
outwardly from the cam 142 of the locking cylinder 26. Rotation of
the locking cylinder 26 through the use of a key 106 in a clockwise
direction laterally forces the cam pin 140 upwardly against the
upper surface of the cam pin slot 136 to upwardly slide the pin
bracket 130 past the guide 138 for elevation of the locking pin 40
for insertion into the pin aperture 92 of the T-handle 80, thereby
locking the T-handle 80 in a second non-operational position
relative to the tray 12. Rotation of the key 106 of the locking
cylinder 26 in a counterclockwise direction laterally forces the
cam pin 140 downwardly against the bottom surface of the cam pin
slot 136 to downwardly slide the pin bracket 130 past the guide 138
for retraction of the pin 40 from the pin aperture 92 of the
T-handle 80 for unlocking of the T-handle 80 relative to the tray
12.
[0046] The back plate cover 120 may be adapted for positioning
within the interior of the door of a vehicle or structure and is
further adapted to support and receivingly hold a lock cylinder
housing 26. The shaft cylinder casing 29 preferably includes a
first bore 44 which is adapted to receive the shaft 32.
[0047] The shaft 32 may be formed of a longitudinally extending
square section 144, a cylindrical section 146, an intermediate
ledge 148, and at least one, and preferably two, attachment prongs
15. Alternatively, the shaft 32 may be completely cylindrical
and/or square. The distal end of the longitudinally extending
square section 144 preferably includes a threaded aperture 154
which is adapted for receiving engagement of a screw 156. Each of
the attachment prongs 150 preferably includes an affixation
aperture 158 which are constructed and arranged to receive a pivot
pin 160 utilized to pivotally attach a handle shank 162 to the
shaft 32.
[0048] During assembly the shaft 32 is preferably positioned within
a shaft guide bracket 164. The shaft guide bracket 164 is generally
cylindrical in shape having a centrally positioned, vertically
extending barrier 166. To the exterior of the shaft guide bracket
164 is preferably located a pair of opposite guide slots 168.
Initially, the shaft guide bracket 164 is manipulated past the
affixation prongs 150 positioning the barrier 166 between the two
affixation prongs 150. The shank 162 of the T-handle 80 may then be
attached to the affixation prongs 150 through the placement of the
pivot pin 160 within the affixation aperture 158. The T-handle 80
is thereby pivotally attached to the shaft 32. The shaft guide
bracket 164 is normally slidable along the shaft 32 between the
intermediate ledge 148 and the leading or top edge of the shank 162
when the T-handle 80 is elevated into an operational position. The
barrier 166 thereby functions as a stop to limit the normally
sliding position of the shaft 32 and T-handle 80.
[0049] A handle attachment collar 170 may then be used to prevent
separation of the shaft 32 and T-handle 80 from the shaft guide
bracket 164. The handle attachment collar 170 is preferably
cylindrical in shape having a rear wall 172, a normally extending
handle shank slot 174, a pair of interior prong receiving channels
176, and a pair of outwardly extending affixation tabs 178.
[0050] The normally extending handle shank slot 174 is preferably
sized to slidably receive and cover the shank 162 of the T-handle
80 irrespective of the location of the T-handle 80 within a normal
operational position or a traverse non-operational position
relative to the tray 12. The barrier 166 is preferably sized for
positioning within the normally extending handle shank slot
174.
[0051] The pair of interior prong receiving channels 176 are
preferably constructed and arranged to each receive an attachment
prong 150 which prevents radial rotation of the shaft 32 relative
to either the shaft guide bracket 164 or the handle attachment
collar 170. In addition, positioning of the barrier 166 within the
normally extending handle shank slot 174 also prevents radial
rotation of the shaft 32 relative to either the shaft guide bracket
164 and/or the handle attachment collar 170.
[0052] Each of the pair of outwardly extending affixation tabs 178
are constructed and arranged for positioning within one of the
guide slots 168 of the shaft guide bracket 164.
[0053] During assembly, the handle attachment collar 170 is
preferably lowered over the shank 162 of the T-handle 80 for
insertion of the shank 162 into the normally extending handle shank
slot 174. Alignment between the prongs 150 and the prong receiving
channels 176 may thereby occur. The handle attachment collar 170 is
then manipulated towards the shaft guide bracket 164 for insertion
of the prongs 150 into the prong receiving channels 176 and further
insertion of the affixation tabs 178 into the opposite guide slots
168 to secure the handle attachment collar 170 to the shaft guide
bracket 164. The shank 162 of the T-handle 80 may alternatively
have affixation prongs 88.
[0054] The shank 162 preferably includes a roller 180 which is
located adjacent to a top or leading edge opposite to the pivot pin
160. The roller 180 preferably engages the bearing surface of the
barrier 166 within the normally extending handle shank slot 174
during elevation and/or descent of the T-handle 80 into or from an
operational position. The handle spring 182 as positioned in
surrounding relationship over the longitudinally extending square
section 114 and cylindrical section 116 of the shaft 32 may thereby
be expanded. Alternatively, tension may be placed on the handle
spring 182 when the T-handle 80 is lowered from a normal
operational position to an at rest locking position. The handle
spring 182 is preferably positioned between a position limiter 192
and the spring channel 184 within the interior of the collar 186 as
positioned over the distal end 188 of the shaft cylinder casing 29.
The handle spring 182 preferably engages the surface of the
position limiter 192 opposite to the shaft guide bracket 164.
[0055] Centrally within the shaft cylinder casing 29 is located the
shaft bore 190. The shaft bore 190 is preferably constructed to
receive through a pressure fit the shaft 32, the shaft guide
bracket 164, and the handle attachment collar 170. At least the
longitudinally extending square section 144 of the shaft 32 extends
rearwardly beyond the shaft bore 190 and shaft cylinder casing 29.
The rearward surface of the shaft guide bracket 164 is preferably
adjacent to the position limiter 192 which is integral within the
interior of shaft cylinder casing 29 and is centrally positioned in
the shaft bore 190. The position limiter 192 includes a central
opening for normal passage of the shaft 32. The position limiter
192 prevents undesirable penetration of the shaft 32, T-handle 80,
shaft guide bracket 164, and/or the handle attachment collar 170
rearwardly within the shaft bore 190. Following insertion of the
shaft 32, shaft guide bracket 164, and handle attachment collar 170
into the shaft bore 190, a portion of the cylindrical section 146
and the longitudinally extending square section 144 of the shaft 32
will rearwardly pass the position limiter 192 defining a second
spring receiving channel 194 which, in turn, is defined as an area
between the cylinder section 146, the position limiter 192, and the
interior wall of the shaft cylinder casing 29.
[0056] The exterior of the shaft cylinder casing 29 includes a
first protruding section 122, a pair of intermediate sections 196,
and a second notch 246. The first protruding section 122 defines a
first rotation restriction surface 124 and a second rotation
restriction surface 126.
[0057] The collar 186 is generally cylindrical. The collar 186
includes a rear wall 200 having a substantially square lug 202
having a central opening therethrough. The lug 202 is constructed
for insertion into a substantially square opening in an L-shaped,
cam base 204. Opposite to the rear wall 200 is located a second
protruding section 242, a pair of intermediate sections 244, and a
first notch 198. Within the interior of the collar 186, is a
centrally positioned sleeve 248 having a substantially square
opening 250 therethrough. The square opening 250 is preferably
adapted for slidable receiving engagement of the square section 144
of the shaft 32. The spring channel 184 is defined between the
sleeve 248 and the interior wall of the collar 186. The second
protruding section 242 defines a third rotational restriction
surface 252, and a fourth rotational restriction surface 254.
[0058] The substantially square lug 202 is preferably constructed
to prevent rotation of the L-shaped cam base 240 relative to the
collar 186. The screw 156 passes through a washer 256 for threaded
penetration into the threaded aperture 154 of the longitudinally
extending square section 144 of the shaft 32. The engagement of the
screw 156 to the threaded aperture 154 securely couples the
L-shaped cam base 240, collar 186, handle spring 182, shaft
cylinder casing 29, shaft 32, shaft guide bracket 164, handle
attachment collar 170, and handle 80 together.
[0059] The collar 186 is constructed for mating coupling to the
distal end 188 of the shaft cylinder casing 29. The protruding
section 122 of the shaft cylinder casing 29 is constructed for
insertion into the first notch 198 of the collar 186 when the
T-handle 80 is placed into a downward nested non-operational
position relative to the tray 12. The protruding section 122 is
likewise constructed for separation and/or retraction from the
first notch 198 upon release of tension from the handle spring 182
upon the elevation of the T-handle 80 from the nested position to
the operational normal position relative to the tray 12. In
addition, the second protruding section 242 of the collar 186 is
constructed for insertion and coupling to the second notch 246 of
the shaft cylinder casing 29 simultaneously to the coupling of the
first notch 198 of the collar 186 to the first protruding section
122. Furthermore, the coupling of the collar 186 to the distal end
188 of the shaft cylinder casing 29 positions the pair of
intermediate sections 196 proximate to the second intermediate
sections 244. The positioning of the T-handle 80 downwardly into
the nested non-operational position relative to the tray 12 couples
the collar 186 to the shaft cylinder casing 29. In this
non-operational position the handle spring 182 is compressed. The
uncoupling and/or release of the collar 186 from the shaft cylinder
casing 29 during elevation of the T-handle 80 upwardly from the
tray 12 to the normal aligned operational position relative to the
shaft 32 separates the collar 186 from the shaft cylinder casing 29
by expansion of the handle spring 182. Radial rotation of the
T-handle 80 in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise
direction will cause the radial rotation of the collar 186 relative
to the shaft cylinder casing 29. The clockwise radial rotation of
the shaft 32 causes the third rotational restriction surface 252 to
rotate upwardly to a position proximate to the first rotational
restriction surface 124. Clockwise radial rotation of the shaft 32
is prohibited upon contact between the third rotational restriction
surface 252 and the first rotational restriction surface 124.
Conversely, the counterclockwise radial rotation of the shaft 32
causes the fourth rotational restriction surface 254 to rotate
upwardly to a position proximate to the second rotational
restriction surface 126. Further counterclockwise radial rotation
of the shaft 32 is prohibited upon contact between the fourth
rotational restriction surface 254 and the second rotational
restriction surface 126.
[0060] Rotation of either the third rotational restriction surface
252 toward the first rotational restriction surface 124, or the
fourth rotational restriction surface 254 toward the second
rotational restriction surface 126 causes the downward rotation of
the L-shaped cam base 240 releasing a roller cam 258 from a keeper
(not shown). The roller cam 258 is preferably rotatably affixed to
the L-shaped cam base 240 through the use of a cam pin 260. The
roller cam 258 is preferably rotatably affixed to the L-shaped cam
base 240 upon a roller support section 262.
[0061] The latching of the roller cam 258 to a keeper may occur by
the opposite radial rotational of the third rotational restriction
surface 252 from the first rotational restriction surface 124 or
the fourth rotational restriction surface 254 from the second
rotational restriction surface 126 by manipulation of the T-handle
80 in a reverse counterclockwise or clockwise direction. Engagement
between the roller cam 258 and a keeper will normally occur upon
alignment of the protruding section 122 to the first notch 198 and
the alignment of the second protruding section 242 to the second
notch 246. Alignment between the first and second protruding
sections 122, 242 to the respective first and second notches 198,
246 occurs upon the return of the T-handle 80 to the initial normal
operational position relative to the shaft cylinder casing 29
and/or tray 12.
[0062] During unlocking the rotation of the key 106 causes the
radial rotation of the locking cylinder 26 causing the cam pin 140
to place downward force against the cam pin slot 136 to downwardly
alter the position of the pin bracket 130 relative to the back
plate cover 120 for withdrawal of the pin 40 from the pin aperture
92 of the T-handle 80.
[0063] The removal of the padlock 84 from the padlock hasp 128 and
first recessed padlock receiving depression 48 may then occur which
in turn will cause the hasp spring 104 to expand to retract the
prongs or arms of the padlock hasp 128 rearwardly into the padlock
slots 54 toward the backside 14 of the tray 12. The removal of the
padlock 84 from the padlock hasp 128 may occur before radial
rotation of the lock cylinder 26 is initiated. The at rest position
for the padlock hasp 128 is to be partially withdrawn into the tray
12 and back plate cover 120. To utilize a padlock 84 as a secondary
locking mechanism, an individual is required to grasp the padlock
hasp 128 for forward and outward manipulation relative to the tray
12, thereby compressing the hasp spring 104. An opened padlock 84
may then be inserted through the padlock receiving apertures 118
and over the padlock receiving region 82 of the T-handle 80
whereupon the padlock 84 may be re-locked.
[0064] The elevation of the T-handle 80 from the non-operational
nesting position relative to the tray 12 separates the padlock
receiving region 82 from the second recesses handle receiving
region 50. The elevation of the T-handle 80 further causes the
downward contact and positioning of the roller 80 of the shank 162
along the bearing surface of the barrier 166 until normal
operational positioning of the T-handle 80 relative to the shaft 32
and shaft cylinder casing 29 has occurred. The expansion of the
handle spring 182 is thereby permitted separating the collar 186
from the shaft cylinder casing 29 and the retraction of the second
protruding section 242 from the second notch 246 and the retraction
of the first protruding section 122 from the first notch 198.
[0065] The T-handle 80 may then be radially rotated in either a
clockwise or counterclockwise direction for transfer of motion
through the shaft 32 to the L-shaped cam base 240 for downward
separation of the roller cam 258 from a keeper in either a
clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. Opening of a door may
then occur.
[0066] The steps for unlocking of the padlock 84, retraction of the
pin 40 from the pin aperture 92, and rotation of the T-handle 80
for disengagement of the roller cam 258 from the keeper as
described herein may be reversed for latching of a door and
securing of the door to a keeper through the use of the double
locking mechanism of the T-handle 80.
[0067] The rear surface of the second recessed handle receiving
region 50 defines a bridge position between the padlock slots 54 of
the tray 12. The base of the second recessed handle receiving
region 50 also has an opening for passage of the pin 40 for
engagement to the pin aperture 92 of the T-handle 80.
[0068] The breakaway features of the fracturable throat section 94
of the T-handle 80 deter the opening and failure of the handle
without prior manipulation of the lock cylinder 26.
[0069] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art
may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment
described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed
by the claims attached hereto.
[0070] The above Examples and disclosure are intended to be
illustrative and not exhaustive. These examples and description
will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary
skill in this art. All these alternatives and variations are
intended to be included within the scope of the attached claims.
Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the
specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also
intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.
* * * * *